Question:
Surgery postponed, can I use protein drinks to lose on my own?

   — Linda Y. (posted on May 11, 2005)

May 11, 2005
Absolutely.............the protein drinks will help you manage the hunger but it will still be a calories in/calories out issue. I used the protein drinks in the months before my surgery to help me get in better condition for the surgery I lost 40 pounds beforehand and it was the easiest 40 pounds I've ever lost because I knew I was lowering my risk and this time, I actually had a chance at keeping it off. Go for it..........it can't hurt at all. Every pound you lose actually lowers your surgery risk a little bit more.
   — scbabe

May 11, 2005
It is not neccessary the protein drinks that cause the weight loss. They actually norish the body and help the organs to stay healthy after wls. Because your intake is so limited because of the small pouch the malabsorption that causes some nutritional deficiencies make the protein vital in maintaining the body's overall good health. Protein drinks are not the key to successful weight loss. It is a change in eating habits and the wls is the tool used to decrease intake but you still have to eat healthy to have the most success. You will lose weight if you cut down your intake by determining how many calories you need to take in daily to help you and you can use protein drinks to supplement but most people who have considered wls normally need to lose 100 or more pounds and sometimes behavior modification does not help them to reach that goal. If you are still able to have surgery at a later date don't allow that to be the only reason for you to consider other weight loss options. My surgery was postponed from 11/16/04 to 2/2/05 because of a required nutrition class my doctor said I needed. I was upset at first but I believe the 6 week class prepared me for life after wls more than I would have been in November. Take care and I hope you make the decision that is right for you.
   — one twenty five sixty to go

May 12, 2005
The post below is somewhat correct. At this point since you haven't had surgery it isn't neccessary BUT, YES, it is neccessary and key to weightloss after surgery. We don't malabsorb carbs and sugar so you absorb the majority of that intake. However we DO malabsorb protein and it is next to impossible to get your required protein intake from food alone since we malabsorb the protein. If you aren't supplementing the protein, after surgery, then you will become deficient in that aspect. Protein supplements also help with skin elasticity and so your hair doesn't fall out from the protein deficiency. I drink a minimum of 4 protein drinks a day and I will be 3 years out in August. My pictures and progress speak for themself. Just do your research darlin and you will find your way. You are going to do awesome and I wish you luck in your journey! Hugs...Erika
   — Egyptianeyesdiva

May 12, 2005
What do you mean by protein drinks, exactly? Some brands? Made how? And are you talking some sensible meals, too? JUST protein or <gasp> Boost or something wouldn't help too much. But there is a story on my site about someone who had to lose 38# pre-op, of which she lost 69. She had to wait 5 months for her surgery, but she knew the wt would not stay gone, only long enough to get on that table. Her doc said she was the easiest patient she ever had. She went to the mall when she got out of the hospital! *I* consider protein supplements one of the main components to my long term success, but I also avoid milk & sugar, and am very involved in support, along with a good surgery. However, one of the things I see is the wt loss in support people! They often do 1-2 "sympathy" protein drinks a day with the patient and surprise themselves by losing 20-25 # without effort because it cuts appetite and carb cravings and they don't feel deprived. So, can you do it? Probably, but you'll still need to cover yourself with multi vite, iron + C, some calcium, and some "sensible" meals, with lots of veggies, nuts, grains & seeds. Oh, and the inevitable water.
   — vitalady